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Smilist
Amherst, New York

Dental Assistant (Orthodontics/Pediatrics)

Dental AssistantNo weekendsFull-Time

Listed compensation

$24-$28/hr

The week · per this posting · Monday – Friday

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, nights and shift pattern and time off.

Posted 2h ago · Verified live

Job Description

At The Smilist, we are committed to providing high-quality dental care in a warm, welcoming, and professional environment. Our team is passionate about creating positive patient experiences and making lives better, one smile at a time. We are looking for a reliable, friendly, and motivated Dental Assistant to join our growing orthodontics and pediatrics team and support our commitment to exceptional patient care.

  • Take a Glance at the Role!
  • Location: Amherst + West Seneca, NY
  • Schedule: Full Time - Monday through Friday - no weekends!
  • Pay Range: $24.00-$28.00 per hour
  • Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, plus opportunities for professional growth

What You’ll Do

Help patients feel comfortable and confident throughout their dental visits by addressing their individual concerns and reinforcing trust in their doctor or hygienist.

Prepare patients for treatment and assist doctors and hygienists during dental procedures to ensure efficient, high-quality care.

  • Maintain a clean, organized, and sterile clinical environment that promotes patient safety and comfort.
  • Escort patients to and from the front desk and help ensure a smooth, positive patient experience.
  • Prepare and organize instrument trays and treatment rooms for scheduled procedures.
  • Monitor operatory supplies, maintain adequate inventory, and assist with ordering and restocking as needed.
  • Follow established infection control, sterilization, and office safety protocols.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

  • Proven experience as a Dental Assistant
  • Prior orthodontics and/or pediatrics experience strongly preferred
  • Knowledge of dental instruments, equipment, procedures, and infection control protocols.
  • Dentrix experience preferred, but not required.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a patient-focused approach
  • Ability to work collaboratively with doctors and other team members in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Positive attitude, dependability, and a willingness to learn and grow professionally.

What We Offer

  • Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications.
  • Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, and more.
  • Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
  • A supportive, team-orientated work environment.

If you are passionate about patient care, enjoy working as part of a collaborative dental team, and are looking for an opportunity to grow your career, we encourage you to apply and join The Smilist team.

Key Responsibilities

Prepare patients and treatment rooms, assist doctors and hygienists during procedures, and help patients feel comfortable throughout their visits. Maintain a clean and sterile clinical environment, organize instruments, monitor supplies, and support a smooth patient experience.

Qualifications

Experience
2+ years of experience

Key Skills

Dental AssistingPediatric DentistryDental Procedure AssistanceDental Instrument PreparationInventory ManagementTeamworkOrganization

Pediatrics Career Context

The cost-of-living index for New York is 107.9 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$54k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $50k in an average-cost state. 64.6% of New York clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

What does the Dental Assistant market look like in New York?
MeasureThis jobMarket
Work-life score6.0 / 10 · above average in dental assistantranked against 342 Dental Assistant listingslisting-based score, 0–10
Listed pay$50k–$58kDental Assistant median $105k (middle half $50k–$125k)37 comparable listings, Oct 2026
Cost-of-living adjusted pay~$50k in purchasing powerNew York index 107.9 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)
Dental Assistant listings in New York271 active5,757 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Oct 2026
Sign-on & loan repaymentnot statedNew York healthcare professional listings: 29% state a sign-on bonus (median $5k) · 7% offer loan repayment271 active listings, Oct 2026
Sources: WeekdayDoc live listing index (342 Dental Assistant listings), BEA Regional Price Parities (2024); as of Oct 2026. Same values as the Weekday Verdict and Market Insights on this page.

Work-Life Balance Analysis

WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Dental Assistant (Orthodontics/Pediatrics) at Smilist a 6.0 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as good. This places the position in the Above average in Dental Assistant — ranked against 342 active Dental Assistant listings on WeekdayDoc. Contributing factors include no weekend requirements.

Top Pediatrics Jobs

6 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution

5 jobs
3
<$50k
1
$55k
1
$62k

Annual compensation range

Work-Life Balance Distribution

6 jobs
0
1-2
0
3-4
1
5-6
4
7-8
1
9-10

Higher = better work-life balance

#1

Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (Pediatrics)

Smilist · Langhorne, Pennsylvania

$25-$30/hr
#2

Dental Assistant - Pediatrics

STRIDE Community Health Center · Aurora, Colorado

$22.62-$26.5/hr
#3

Pediatric Dental Assistant

$20-$24/hr
#4

Pediatric Dental Assistant III

$21.51 hourly
+ 4 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

median 3.0this job 6.0
Better work-life than 70% of Dental Assistant listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 342 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

  • No weekends
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About Smilist

Health, Wellness & Fitness
Great Neck, NY
201-500 employees

Benefits & Perks

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Professional Development
Continuing Education